What Is a Blower Motor on A Car？
The human race has become astonishingly dependent on cars. Cars are not only the need of the day but a style statement and luxury to flaunt. Cars are intricately designed, high-end machines with a complex structure. Each part performs a specific function that is interconnected and linked to the role of many others. Although it is a tough and professionally programmed vehicle, there are still chances for flaws and faults. If a defect is born, it can also affect the function and structure of other parts.
All the parts in the car assembly work together in harmony and bring out the best! Behind our smooth and exciting drive are parts working in collaboration. Every component is vital such as a car blower motor.
The car blower motor ensures a well-aerated and ventilated environment in the car. A car HVAC system is the most demanded feature because mercury has shot to the extremes. Comfort while driving is much needed. Cool or hot air flow according to climatic conditions is mandatory inside a car cabin.
This blog post is bubbling with detailed information about a car blower motor, so if you were searching for an informative platform about car blower motors, you are in the exact place; stay tuned! A lot is coming your way!
What Is a Blower Motor?
The blower motor is a specialized component or the electrical device attached to most cars' fans. This part works in harmony with the other components of the assembly.
This motor is responsible for circulating hot and cold air throughout the vehicle. It pushes the heated or cooled air through the dashboard vents according to the set climate system and the fan's speed.
This tiny motor is of great value because your drive goes well if it goes well. Suppose you drive in an area with intense climatic conditions; if your car blower motor becomes faulty, you can face an uncomfortable situation.
As for relevant info, please check at Why Ford F150 blower motor not working
Significance of a Blower Motor
A blower motor is a component that plays a vital role in maintaining a sustainable environment in the car cabin. Without a blower motor, a car HVAC system will not produce a desirable effect, and some of the parts in the cabin will remain cold in winter while the others will remain hot in summer, making the drive uncomfortable. This is because it ensures a steady and justified airflow inside the car cabin.
Location and Components of a Car Blower Motor
A car usually has one motor blower; however, the larger vehicles have two, one in the front and the other in the rear. The blower, fan, and electrical connections make up the blower assembly.
The blower motor is usually located towards the passenger's side under the dashboard. Some vehicles have the motor placed on the fender, in the engine compartment. The principal components are;
#1 DC Motor
DC motor is a small but powerful motor that is the heart of the blower assembly. It has two variations and is found either as brushed or brushless. The older cars have brushed motors; the newly manufactured vehicles are equipped with brushless DC motors.
The reasons for using the brushless versions of DC motors are excellent. For example, the brushless motor has few rotating parts and is thus exposed to lesser wear and tear. It does not produce sparks when operating. This quality makes it supremely durable and increases its efficiency.
Another remarkable quality that makes the brushless version more authentic and superior is its infinite speed control. Their speed can also be controlled electronically, so we do not need a resistor module to control their speed. This option makes it better than the brushed DC motor.
#2 Blower Motor Wheel/Fan
The blower motor fan is also called a wheel or cage. It is called so because of its appearance or design. The fan comes with plastic blades arranged in a way that channelizes the air when rotating. Meanwhile, the motor ensures good throws in the cabin to maintain a comfortable environment. The speed controlling the fan is of great value because it directly affects the cabin's environment.
The blower motor control module is the new car's component that controls the speed. This module has sharp and clever electronics which vary the voltage supply to the motor. It also allows the blower to run at slow speeds. On the contrary, the speed of the fan in older cars is controlled by a resistor module.
#3 Blower Motor Housing
In this case, the housing is the safe heaven that resides in the motor and keeps out the debris and other harmful materials that may damage the motor. It also serves as the mounting surface for the assembly. The electrical harness supplying current to the motor also stays on the housing.
The blower motor wiring consists of a resistor module, fuses, and a relay.
Problems with the Car Blower Motor
The blower motor stays non-problematic until debris or harmful material gets trapped in the fan's blades. The lodging of unwanted material in the blades exerts pressure on the motor, which may cause certain problems. Below are a few issues you may experience with your car blower motor.
Mechanical Problems
The debris lodged in the fan blades is responsible for most of the mechanical issues. When it gets trapped in the blades, the blower puts the maximum strain on the motor. This extra pressure can cause the motor to halt and thus a mechanical defect arises.
The situation worsens when large debris clogs the blades leading to the breakage the blades. This situation does not affect the motor, but the overall throw and efficiency reduce. The worn-out, bad bearings and brushes inside the brush-type motors are a few mechanical damages.
Electrical Faults
The electrical faults you may encounter in a blower motor are a bad relay, burnt fuse, or motor, and if the resistor module burns or corrodes. Damaged resistors are responsible for the loose speed control of the blower. Loose connectors may cause to turn on the motor intermittently. A bad relay, burnt motor, and fuse can stop the motor and won't work. These electrical faults can be minimized by replacing faulty connectors.
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Blower Motor
As discussed above, a blower motor may experience specific mechanical and electrical faults. Here we will discuss the signs and symptoms that can alert us if our motor goes bad.
For more, please refer to Why Dodge Ram blower motor not working, and The reason Mercedes Benz blower motor not working
#1 Certain Speed
It is obvious to say that an excellent and well-working motor operates at multiple speeds, so if you notice your fan working at a certain speed and does not operate variably, this may be a fault indicator. A damaged motor resistor or switch can also cause the same problem. Therefore, you must check your motor for any such problem comprehensively.
#2 Weak Airflow
Weak or irregular airflow is another problem that points toward a problem in the blower motor. Blower motors can naturally damage or degenerate over time because of the exposure to wear and tear. This lessens the power of the motors, and they do not remain as powerful as they were.
This wear and tear, however, hamper the car blower motor function by reducing the airflow through the car's cabin. However, this is not the only cause that may be held responsible for weak airflow. A proper diagnosis should be made in order to detect the fault to the core.
#3 Unusual Noise from HVAC System
Unusual sounds from the car's HVAC system are a clear indicator of trouble. It usually happens when the debris is stuck in the fan blades. You may hear a choking, rattling, squeaking, or whirring from the HVAC system. The sounds may sharpen when you would increase the fan speed.
#4 Smell of Smoke
If you sense a foul or burning smell or smoke, you must immediately pull off the car. It may be an indication that the blower motor has been burnt. You must approach a mechanic to analyze the problem more tactfully.
Replacement of a Car Blower Motor
If a problem has occurred because of the debris trapped in the fan blades, it can be cleaned and the working of both fan and motor will be restored. However, if the motor has been burnt or is gone bad to the extent that it cannot be repaired, replacement is the only solution in this case.
You can replace the motor with the help of a specialized professional or mechanic. The replacement is costly, and service charges and taxes will also be charged. Therefore, manage your budget well before opting for a replacement.
Conclusion
Global warming has harshly affected the earth. The terribly high summer temperature and extremely chilled winters have become unbearable, and people depend on car HVAC systems for relief and comfort while driving.
The car blower motor assembly is of great importance since it ensures the sufficient flow of cool or hot air in the car cabin. The heart of this assembly is the blower motor. A blower motor is a small electrical device with a magnified job. It is located under the dashboard on the opposite side of the driver. It is necessary to understand the working of a blower motor. This tiny component may experience some problems. There are signs and symptoms to help us detect those problems. A mechanic is, however, the right person to access when you experience a problem and doubt your blower motor might have turned bad.
